labour induction with prostaglandins: what works best? A systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.

• A network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted comparing 12 different prostaglandins used for labour induction. Different methods were compared with each other and with no treatment or placebo. • Data were extracted for five key outcomes in terms of effectiveness and safety: serious neonatal morbidity or perinatal death, serious maternal morbidity or death, uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes, failure to achieve vaginal delivery within 24 hours, and caesarean section. • Relative treatment effects are reported as posterior median odds ratios (OR) and 95% Credible Intervals (CrI). • The probability of each treatment being 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. most effective was calculated for each outcome. • All analysis were conducted within a Bayesian framework using OpenBUGS. LABOUR INDUCTION WITH PROSTAGLANDINS: WHAT WORKS BEST? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW, NETWORK META-ANALYSIS AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS Keeney E1, Welton NJ1, Dowswell T2, Dias S1, Medley N2, Jones L2, Navaratnam K2 , Alfirevic Z2 , Caldwell DM1